The Mokokchung District Administration has announced “zero tolerance” against the sale, transportation and storage of liquor following reports of deaths and hospitalisations linked to the suspected consumption of spurious liquor in Mangkolemba Sub-Division and other parts of the district.
The decision was taken at an emergency coordination meeting convened by Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, at his office on September 26. The meeting was attended by enforcement agencies, ward authorities, village councils, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to deliberate on the prevailing public health situation.
The development comes as the number of deaths reported in Mokokchung district has risen to eight. Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Additional Superintendent of Police I Bunglang Chang, to investigate the deaths and trace the source and supply chain of the suspected adulterated liquor. Samples have been sent to Guwahati for forensic examination to ascertain the cause of the deaths.
The District Administration said enforcement agencies would intensify the ongoing crackdown with the cooperation of town, village and ward authorities and civil society organisations. It also advised the public to refrain from purchasing or consuming liquor in view of the prevailing situation.
People who have consumed liquor, particularly within the past 48 hours, and subsequently experience symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulty, nausea, severe abdominal pain or loss of consciousness have been advised to immediately seek medical attention at the nearest primary health unit and report the matter to local authorities.
The administration appealed to village councils, ward and colony authorities, municipal and town councils, civil society organisations, government departments and the public to extend active cooperation to enforcement agencies in implementing strict measures under the prohibition law and preventing further loss of life.
The public has also been urged to report information regarding suspected transportation or sale of liquor to the police. Mokokchung Police can be contacted at 6009828769, Mangkolemba Police at 7005675868 and Tuli Police at 7005512093.
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Mokokchung Police intensifies liquor crackdown, orders vehicle checks
Meanwhile, Mokokchung Police has ordered intensified enforcement across the district under the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989, with immediate effect. In an order issued by Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo, NPS, all Officers-in-Charge of police stations have been directed to intensify patrolling and surveillance and take strict action against the sale, storage and distribution of liquor in colonies, shops, dhabas, hotels, houses and other premises.
Police have been directed to seize prohibited liquor detected during enforcement operations and initiate necessary legal action under the NLTP Act and other applicable laws.
The police order also directed police stations to maintain close coordination with Ward Unions, Village Councils and civil society organisations and act promptly on credible information concerning the illegal sale or storage of liquor.
All vehicles entering the district are to be thoroughly checked at designated check gates and other strategic points to prevent transportation of liquor into Mokokchung district.
Where liquor is found to be repeatedly or illegally sold from shops, commercial establishments or houses, necessary steps for sealing the premises are to be taken in the presence of, and in coordination with, the competent Magistrate wherever legally permissible.
For transparency and evidentiary purposes, police personnel have also been instructed to undertake proper photography and videography during searches, seizures and sealing proceedings.
All Sub-Divisional Police Officers have been directed to personally supervise enforcement measures in their respective jurisdictions and ensure strict compliance by police stations and check gates. They have also been asked to submit compliance reports detailing action taken, seizures made and cases detected.
The SSP warned that any negligence or laxity in enforcing the order would be viewed seriously. The order came into force with immediate effect.
Police have separately advised the public to avoid unidentified, unlabelled or suspected illicit liquor and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties or loss of consciousness develop after alcohol consumption.
